That type of unity had all the Sierra Foothill League coaches agreeing on one thing – that Kiera Utush and Zack Mason would be named the league’s girls and boys soccer MVPs.
“One of the most important things (Whitney girls head coach Ana Jones) and I have stressed over the years is that we aren’t boys’ soccer and girls’ soccer – we are Whitney soccer,” Whitney boys coach Joel Williams said. “Everything we order just says Whitney soccer and (both teams) do events throughout the year together. That sense of family has been important to the growth of our program as kids see the program as bigger than themselves.”
William’s player, Zack Mason – a California State University, East Bay-commit, won the award for the SFL champs. He led Whitney as well as the Sierra Foothill League with 16 goals.
“Zack is extremely dynamic and a great leader,” Williams said. “He is a great competitor who will not be outworked and hates to lose. One area coach told me that he was the best, most complete player he has seen in the area over the last few years. He’ll have a great career.”
Whitney and Oak Ridge had six players selected on the boy’s All-League team, followed by Folsom with four, Granite Bay with three, Del Oro with two and Rocklin with one.
The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division II girls champs, Whitney had an MVP selected as well. Utush was named Co-MVP along with Alyssa Carranza of Oak Ridge. Utush was second on the team with 36 points (12 assists and 12 goals). She will continue her soccer career at San Diego State, the same school her sister played and graduated from last year.
The SFL Champion, Granite Bay headlined the girls’ list with a league-high six selections. Whitney, Oak Ridge and Folsom had four selections apiece and the three selections from Del Oro and one from Rocklin rounded out the list.
“It’s an honor to know that there are other coaches in the SFL that recognize the other teams’ players by skills and talent,” Jones said on her players being selected. “SDSU will be gaining not just a well-rounded player but a great leader (in Utush). Her teammates deserved recogniti... Click here to read full article
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